Colnago Master Olympic - Art Decor - Gilco Vintage Steel Racing Bike - 1990s - Campagnolo Chorus

History:

Colnago was founded in 1952 by Ernesto Colnago in Cambiago, near Milan, and quickly became one of the most influential names in professional cycling. Through partnerships with teams such as Molteni, Del Tongo, Mapei and Rabobank, as well as numerous victories at Classics, World Championships and Grand Tours, the company built a reputation for reliable, performance-oriented and distinctly styled racing bicycles.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Colnago Super was the brand’s flagship model and one of the most successful racing frames of its time. In the mid-1980s, it was succeeded by the newly developed Master series. This line included several variants such as the Master 1st Generation, Master Più, Master Olympic and later the Master X-Light – each featuring advanced Gilco-profiled tubing and increasingly elaborate Art Decor paint schemes that defined Colnago’s aesthetic in both professional and amateur racing.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Master frames were used by various teams and were also popular among ambitious private riders worldwide. Their combination of Italian craftsmanship, distinctive geometry and striking decorative finishes made the Master series an icon of classic steel road bike design – both in construction and overall style.

Description:

This Colnago Master Olympic from the 1990s showcases the defining features of this well-known series: the distinctive Columbus Gilco-profiled tubes, the crisp and unmistakable frame lines and the characteristic Art Decor paintwork of that era. Its appearance and detailing make it one of the most visually striking steel frames in the Colnago range.

The bike is equipped with a Campagnolo Chorus 9-speed groupset with Ergopower shifters for precise and reliable shifting. Rigida DP18 rims complement the sporty build, while the 3TTT cockpit completes the classic aesthetic of the frame. A cohesive setup for a characterful and engaging vintage road bike.

Condition:

Used. The frame is in good and well-maintained condition – free of cracks, free of dents and not misaligned. The original Art Decor paintwork is well preserved and shows light, age-appropriate marks that match the authentic character of the frame. Minor paint imperfections were carefully touched up without altering the original appearance.

As part of the restoration, the bicycle was fully disassembled; all bearings were cleaned and regreased; all components were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath; and both shifting and braking systems were precisely adjusted. The wheels were checked, accurately trued and run smoothly and evenly.

Technically, the bike is ready to ride and delivers the direct and enjoyable ride quality typical of a high-grade Colnago steel classic from the 1990s.

Details: